The mental edge in The Game, not overlooking Michigan, and breaking the skid with a blowout? Ohio State-Michigan Mailbag

More questions and answers about the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

Ryan Day speaking at Skull Session before the Michigan game last season. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State)

COLUMBUS — Time for our fourth mailbag of Ohio State-Michigan week. Let’s chat.

Previous Mailbags

Mailbag 1

Mailbag 2

Mailbag 3

With Michigan’s mental advantage over the last few years, is Ohio State capable of winning a close game in Ann Arbor? Or do they need to break the streak the same way Michigan did in 2021?

The last two years came down to the wire and we’ve come up short. The Game in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 were all winnable late into the game for Michigan.

It wasn’t until they dominated while feeling no real pressure did they finally do it. Starting to think it might be the same for us. – Aaron from the 937

Doug: It’s not a bad theory, Aaron. But in 2023, the Buckeyes got a stop to force a field goal in the final two minutes and stay alive, and then, down 6, completed two big passes to move the ball in a one-minute drill. If a Donovan Jackson block holds up a moment longer, or Kyle McCord slides in the pocket to make an open throw to Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State might have completed a miraculous comeback instead of throwing a game-ending pick. I’m not sure that was nerves, just a failure of execution.

Last year I think you’re right, though. The 34-yard missed field goal by Jayden Fielding late in the third quarter. A dropped pass by Carnell Tate in the middle of the fourth quarter that would have picked up a first down on a drive that ended in a three-and-out. The missed tackles on the third-and-6 Kalel Mullings run to set up the go-ahead field goal for Michigan. The penalty for 12 defensive players on the field on the next Michigan first down.

The Buckeyes cracked under pressure.